The College of Health Sciences prepares occupational therapists, physical therapists, physician assistants, biomedical scientists, social workers, healthcare administrators, and other healthcare professionals through interprofessional education and hands-on learning.
ABOUT THE COLLEGE
Samuel Merritt University's College of Health Sciences brings together programs spanning clinical care, rehabilitation, biomedical science, social work, and healthcare leadership. Students prepare for distinct careers while learning within a university dedicated exclusively to healthcare.
Across undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, students learn from experienced faculty and connect classroom education with the realities of healthcare practice. The college prepares graduates to improve health in the communities and healthcare systems they will serve.
Welcome to the College of Health Sciences at Samuel Merritt University!
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I welcome you to our College. I am honored to serve as Dean and sincerely thank you for visiting us. Our mission goes beyond education—we prepare compassionate, ethical, and resilient healthcare professionals with the knowledge, clinical expertise, and leadership skills to make a lasting impact.
Through outstanding teaching, hands-on clinical experiences, innovation, and community engagement, we empower our students to meet the healthcare challenges of tomorrow. We are building an inclusive and collaborative environment where new ideas thrive, and excellence and compassion go hand in hand.
To our students, I encourage you to lead with curiosity and purpose. To our faculty, staff, and community partners, thank you for your dedication and partnership. Together, we are more than a college—we are a force for transformation in healthcare. I am honored to share this journey with you and look forward to all we will accomplish together.
Sathees B Chandra, PhD
Dean, College of Health Sciences
PROGRAMS
From patient care and rehabilitation to biomedical science and healthcare leadership, our programs prepare students for careers across a wide range of health professions.
Masters
Samuel Merritt University's Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program combines relationship-centered education with supervised clinical training, preparing students to support individuals and families across healthcare and community settings.
Masters
Samuel Merritt University's MBS provides rigorous graduate science education designed to strengthen students' preparation for professional healthcare programs.
Masters
Samuel Merritt University's MHA prepares professionals to lead healthcare organizations through healthcare-focused business education designed for today's industry.
Masters
Samuel Merritt University's Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program prepares future occupational therapists through rigorous clinical education grounded in healthcare. Students develop the clinical reasoning and therapeutic expertise needed to help people improve function and participate more fully in everyday life.
Masters
Samuel Merritt University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares future social workers for integrated healthcare, behavioral health, and medical social work.
Masters
SMU's MPA program combines rigorous medical education with hands-on clinical experience, preparing students to evaluate patients and provide high-quality medical care across diverse healthcare settings.
#1
Best Career Prospects
#1 University in CA for post-grad jobs.
#1
Early-Career Salaries
Ranked #1 by Forbes for early-career salaries.
86%
Employers Prefer SMU
86% of employers prefer hiring SMU grads.
WHY SMU HEALTH SCIENCES
At Samuel Merritt University, health sciences students prepare for distinct professions within a university dedicated to healthcare. Learning alongside people from other disciplines helps students see their own profession as part of a larger system of care.
Faculty bring current healthcare experience into the classroom, connecting what students learn with the work they are preparing to do. Graduates leave with the knowledge and judgment to take the next step in their chosen field.
College of Health Sciences faculty bring experience across clinical care, rehabilitation, biomedical science, social work, and healthcare leadership. They help students connect classroom learning to healthcare practice while preparing them for careers across a wide range of health professions.
HANDS-ON LEARNING
Hands-on learning is central to an SMU education. Students gain experience in real-world healthcare settings throughout their programs, while SMU’s Health Sciences Simulation Center gives them a place to practice before entering patient care. One of the West’s most advanced healthcare simulation facilities, the HSSC helps students build their skills and clinical judgment in realistic healthcare environments.
CONTACT
Admission
Admission
Admission
Admission
525 12th St.
Oakland, CA 94607
800.607.6377
2710 N. Gateway Oaks Dr.
Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95833
800.607.6377
1791 E. Fir Ave.
Fresno, CA 93720
800.607.6377
989 E. Hillsdale Blvd.
Foster City, CA 94404
800.607.6377
admission@samuelmerritt.edu
800.607.6377
